Enterococcal Linear Plasmids Adapt to Enterococcus faecium and Spread within Multidrug-Resistant Clades.

ABSTRACT: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of bacterial pathogens, including enterococci, is a global concern, and plasmids are crucial for spreading and maintaining AMR genes. Plasmids with linear topology were identified recently in clinical multidrug-resistant enterococci. The enterococcal linear-form plasmids, such as pELF1, confer resistance to clinically important antimicrobials, including vancomycin; however, little information exists about their epidemiological and physiological effects. In this study, we identified several lineages of enterococcal linear plasmids that are structurally conserved and occur globally. pELF1-like linear plasmids show plasticity in acquiring and maintaining AMR genes, often via transposition with the mobile genetic element IS1216E. This linear plasmid family

SUBMITTER: Hashimoto Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10112129 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature